What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
piquing
Example
The movie trailer piqued my interest, so I decided to watch it. [piqued: past tense]
Example
The new exhibit at the museum is piquing the curiosity of many visitors. [piquing: present participle]
provoking
Example
His rude comment provoked her to respond angrily. [provoked: past tense]
Example
The controversial article is provoking a lot of debate and discussion. [provoking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Provoking is more commonly used than piquing in everyday language. Provoking is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while piquing is less common and refers to a specific type of stimulation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between piquing and provoking?
While piquing is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, provoking is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
